The government has announced that physical work on the project to develop an international airport and an integrated tourism zone in Gaaf Alif Villingili will commence by November this year.
The project agreement was signed in February 2024, ahead of the parliamentary elections.
The agreement was signed with the Belgian company NV Besix during a ceremony held in Villingili on February 22, 2024, which was attended by President Mohamed Muizzu. Housing Minister Abdulla Muththalib signed the document on behalf of the Maldivian government.
Speaking at the "Ahaa Forum" on Sunday night, Tourism Minister Mohamed Ameen revealed that the project has now been awarded to a new contractor. However, the Minister did not disclose the identity of the company.
"We have signed with a new contractor and are currently in the stage of mobilising for the commencement of physical work. God willing, I believe the practical work will begin before the end of November this year," he said.
Following the initial signing of the agreement, the government stated that the Villingili airport and tourism project was valued at USD 750 million.
At the time, the government clarified that the agreement signed with the previous company was a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to assess the feasibility of the airport. However, no practical work on the project has been carried out to date.
